The Montclair High School Boys' Fencing Team had a respectable finish to the 2023/2024 season with a 10-5 record and as the 3rd best fencing team in New Jersey, securing notable victories against Saint Peter's Prep, Saint Benedict's Prep, and Gov. Livingston. After finishing the 2022/2023 season with an 8-3 record, the team participated in more competitions, showcasing their exceptional skill and talent as they progressed to the semi-finals of the NSJIAA Team Tournament.
Individually, senior fencers Mitchell O'Keefe and Lucas Gilson had outstanding seasons, combining for a total of 65 wins between them. Gilson finished the season with a 91% win percentage, winning 31 matches and losing just three. Additionally, O'Keefe ended his season on a high note, registering 34 wins and 5 losses, ending with an 87% win percentage. Both O'Keefe and Gilson were honored as two of the best fencers in the state as they finished their senior seasons in style.
The team began their season on December 14, 2023, against Newark Academy with a 17-8 victory. Junior Diego Aguirre and senior Jett Higgins showed their importance to the team early in the season, both going undefeated in the team’s opening game of the season.
Following the team's opening-day win, they faced Livingston on December 16, 2023, in which they suffered a heartbreaking 14-13 defeat. Gilson and Aguirre continued to show their excellence, both going undefeated. The team would also play Millburn and Columbia on the same day, where they suffered a close 15-12 defeat against Milburn and a significant 18-9 victory against Columbia. Junior Nathaniel Sena went undefeated in his duels against the Columbia fencers.
The team would find themselves as they went to win their next two games against Gov. Livingston in a close 14-13 victory on January 2nd and Saint Benedicts Prep with an impressive 18-9 victory on January 6th. O’Keefe and Gilson both thrived against Gov. Livingston, both going undefeated in the Sabor. Senior Gavin Burr would also show his importance to the team, winning two out of his three duels against Gov. Livingston.
Further showing the team's excellence this season, the team impressively beat Saint Peter’s Prep 14-13 on January 25th and Oratroy 17-10 on February 2nd to qualify for the NJSIAA Team Tournament. The Boy’s Montclair High School Fencing team had not featured in this tournament since the 2021/2022 season!
In the NJSIAA Team Tournament, the Mounties beat Montgomery 16-11 in the First Round of the tournament on February 15th. O’Keefe continued to display his consistent winning attitude as he went undefeated, winning all three of his duels during the game.
Following their First Round win, the team continued their winning streak in the tournament, beating Saint Peter’s Prep again 15-12 in the Quarter Final Round on February 21st. O’Keefe, Gilson, Burr, and Aguirre also showed impressive displays, combining for a total of 10 wins between the four fencers.
However, unfortunately for the Mounties, the team would suffer a 15-12 defeat against Ridge in the Semi-Final Round of the NJSIAA Team Tournament on February 27th, marking an end to their season.
Despite the team's heartbreaking exit from the tournament, the group of fencers showed improvement from the following 2022/2023 season! Boy’s Fencing Coach Lee Shead hopes to continue the team’s improvement during the upcoming 2024/2025 season and bring the Fencing State Championship to Montclair High School!